Kirbys Reefer 450 build

[KirbyBTF]

Hey all, couldn't help myself and picked up a reefer 450. First impressions, VERY well packed. Arrived to my LFS in a box that was easily 400lbs and took 5 of us to get it in my truck.

Putting the stand together wasn't too bad, lots of small pieces but all in all it was very simple.

Got the tank out and it sat in my hallway until the stand was ready. Took 3 of us to move it out of the truck, and only 2 to put it on the stand.

And here it is on the stand. This tank is CLEAN. Best looking tank I've ever seen. Next to my current 80g.

Got the sump unpacked. As expected, incredible craftsmanship here too.

Going minimal with the rock work, pics suck but those pieces are easily 15" tall each and have lots of holes for frags. Working on a way to mount them in pvc so they can sit up right.

Things not pictured:
Coral box d700
Jebao dc 9000
Reef breeders 60w

Ill update with equipment pics later.

 

[KirbyBTF]

I got a little more done today. The rock I had was very top heavy, so I had to stabilize it. Picked up some hydraulic Cement from HD and used old shelf rock to make a larger base. Overall it was a pretty easy process, I just hope it works out like I need it to.

Also got some of my wire management out of the way, pretty happy with how it looks but can't finish it until my power strip comes in and I can mount the controllers.

Also got my light in the mail, not sure if I mentioned it above but there was a stocking issue with the reef breeders 48" long so I was upgraded to the 60" wireless. Unfortunately they forgot to pack the wireless controller, but one quick call and it's on its way via 2 day mail. Great customer service all around. Shout out to Logan at reef breeders. You da man!

I still have one more rock to Cement, which will be tomorrows project. And I'll be picking up more sand and salt this weekend. Then hopefully filling it up!

 

[deaclauderdale]

Looks good so far.....subscribed

 

[burton14e7]

Man, you make me want to change my reefer 250 to a reefer 450. Good looking setup.

 

[MaccaPopEye]

Subbed. Looks awesome already

 

[KirbyBTF]

Thanks y'all, trying to take my time with this one and do it right.

 

[javimarino]

looking good!

 

[KirbyBTF]

Thank you!

 

[KirbyBTF]

Placing the rock and cutting the plastic to go under it

Rock is going in!

We have rock and sand! Well 2/3 of it. Still gotta make that 3rd rock...

Also got some inhabitants for the new tank at the LFS. Huge purple plate, and a Snowflake eel.

I'm going to really try and motivate myself to make that rock today, cause once that's in I can pour the rest of my sand in and add water.

 

[KirbyBTF]

Finally! The last rock is curing.

And I'll be using at least 2 of these tanks in the sump for marine pure balls and refugium. They're 3g 1.5g and 1/2g. Which ones I use depends on what I can fit in the sump.

 

[KirbyBTF]

Return pump tubing installed, and the 1.5g and 1/2g in the sump. 1.5g will be the marine pure, and 1/2g will be chaeto.

 

[KirbyBTF]

We have water! Well... 20g of water. Should be full by Sunday, then I can throw salt in. And start my cycle!

 

[KirbyBTF]

Installed the power strip, and two of the controllers. Also did some more cable management. Pretty happy with the results but may tweak it a bit. Been busy today!

 

[KirbyBTF]

We have water, salt, and lights! Once I dial in the salinity I'll throw a bottle of bacteria in there and kick this thing off. And I must say, once the return is dialed in this thing is dead quiet. Also redid the cable management and added some LED strips under the stand in each compartment.

 

[KirbyBTF]

Having some trouble with my return leaking. It's leaking from the tube that connects to the pump. I zip tied it but it's still leaking a bit. Any ideas?

 

[Jetziel]

Have any pics of the tube thats leaking?

 

[KirbyBTF]

 

[KirbyBTF]

Problem solved. The return tube was too long, making the pump tilt to one side. Which was making the seal break and letting water out. Cut like 3 inches off the return tube and its good as new.

 

[Jetziel]

I kinda figured it was that, i had same issue and ended up using a Corbin Clamp and it worked great

 

[MaccaPopEye]

Good you figured it out. If it does start leaking again in the future due to the pipe just getting loose you can get plastic pipe clams, usually in the irrigation section of hardware stores. Pop one of those on and clamp it down and there won't be any water leaking from that pipe!